Missing trader fraudster goes missing

A VAT fraudster went on the run from Bristol Crown Court last week shortly before being convicted for his role in an £800,000 tax fraud.

Nasser Ahmed, from Hounslow, London, was facing charges of defrauding Customs and Excise out of more than £800,000. Ahmed was out on bail and when the jury left the court to consider its verdict he left too...and kept going. He was seen on CCTV footage leaving the court building with his wife and one other person.

He was facing charges along with Urfan Ahmed, of Westbourne Road, Easton, who pleaded guilty and will be sentenced next month. The court found Nasser Ahmed guilty of one charge of cheating the public revenue and one of furnishing a false document. The judge issued a warrant for Nasser Ahmed's arrest.

The two were accused of running a carousel or missing trader fraud. Computer chips were bought and imported from Luxembourg, without VAT. The chips were sold on, often at a loss, with VAT added to UK customers.

Nasser claimed in court that he had sold his share in the company to his friend Urfan Ahmed and did not know he was engaging in fraud.®